Peregrina (Jatropha integerrima) - How to Grow & Care Guide

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Peregrina
Latin Name: Jatropha integerrima
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9b–11. In colder zones plants may die back or need winter protection. In warm zones plants remain evergreen and may flower year round.
Typical Height: 6–10 ft (180–300 cm).
Typical Spread: 4–8 ft (120–240 cm).
Bloom Period: Mostly spring through fall in warm climates and can bloom year round where frost free.
Soil Preferences: Well drained soils from average to fertile. Tolerates poorer, sandy soils and some drought. Waterlogged or poorly drained soils may cause root decline.
Light Preferences: Full sun to part shade. Best flowering in full sun. In very hot inland sites afternoon shade can reduce heat stress.
Toxicity: All parts contain irritant or toxic compounds. Sap can irritate skin and ingestion can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Keep away from children and pets and consult poison control for exposures.
Propagation: Stem cuttings and seed. Semi-ripe stem cuttings root readily and give faster flowering plants than seed.

Key Facts

Evergreen tropical to subtropical shrub with showy tubular pink to red flowers.
Attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Flowers most of the year in frost free climates with peaks in warmer months.
Prefers full sun for best flowering but tolerates light shade.
Tolerates drought once established but dislikes poorly drained soil.
Easily propagated by stem cuttings and by seed.
Contains toxic sap and seeds that can irritate skin and cause illness if ingested.

Peregrina (Jatropha integerrima) is a tropical evergreen shrub with clusters of tubular pink to red flowers that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. It is used as a specimen shrub, informal hedge or large container plant and performs best in warm frost free sites while needing protection where freezes occur.

Identification

Peregrina is a multi stemmed evergreen shrub with showy tubular pink to red blooms that appear most of the year in frost free climates and peak in warmer months. Mature plants commonly reach about 6 to 10 feet tall with a spread near 4 to 8 feet depending on pruning and site.

Best uses and where to grow

Plant Peregrina as a specimen near a patio, a loose informal hedge or in a mixed shrub border where hummingbirds will visit. It is suited to USDA zones roughly 9b through 11 and does best in locations without regular freezes. In colder areas grow in a container and move the plant indoors or provide winter protection.

Planting and spacing

Set plants roughly as far apart as their expected spread so 4 to 8 feet is a practical guideline for hedging or specimen spacing. Plant at the same soil depth as the nursery pot and firm soil around the roots. In frost prone regions plant in spring after the risk of hard freezes has passed.

Light and watering

Give Peregrina full sun for best flowering while light afternoon shade can reduce heat stress in very hot inland sites. Water regularly until established and then expect moderate drought tolerance. Avoid waterlogged soil because poor drainage causes root decline and reduces vigor and flowering.

Soil and drainage

The shrub prefers well drained soils ranging from average garden loam to sandy mixes and will tolerate poorer soils when drainage is good. Do not allow standing water or prolonged waterlogging. Improve drainage with raised beds or containers when planting in heavy clay sites to prevent root problems.

After flowering and pruning

Prune Peregrina to shape after peak flowering to control height and encourage a dense habit. Light trimming maintains blooms while heavier cutting reduces size for containers. Regular pruning helps keep a rounded form and prevents branches from becoming sparse near the base.

Propagation

Propagate easily from semi ripe stem cuttings which root readily and produce flowering plants faster than seed raised stock. Take firm cuttings, use a well drained rooting medium and consider rooting hormone for best results. Seed will also germinate but typically produces slower flowering plants.

Containers and winter care

Containers let you grow Peregrina outside its hardiness range and limit mature size. Use a well draining potting mix and reduce watering in cool months. In climates colder than the suggested USDA range expect dieback with freezes and move containers indoors or provide frost protection to preserve foliage and flowers.

Toxicity and safety

All parts of Peregrina contain irritant or toxic compounds. Sap can irritate skin and ingestion of seeds or plant material can cause illness. Keep the plant away from children and pets, wear gloves when handling sap or pruning and contact poison control or a local extension service for exposure guidance.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Peregrina grow?: Growth rate varies with climate and care. In warm frost free sites plants commonly reach their typical 6 to 10 foot height over a few years while growth is slower in containers or cooler climates.
When does Peregrina bloom?: Blooming occurs most of the year in frost free areas with peak displays in warmer months. In cooler subtropical climates flowering is more seasonal.
Is Peregrina toxic?: Yes. The sap can irritate skin and ingestion can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Keep plant parts away from children and pets and seek medical advice for exposures.
Can I grow Peregrina in a container?: Yes. Container culture is a practical way to grow Peregrina outside its hardy range and to control size. Use a well draining mix and protect the plant from hard freezes.
How should I water newly planted Peregrina?: Water regularly while the root system establishes and then allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings. Avoid prolonged wet soil because poor drainage leads to root decline and reduced flowering.